Chinese see 'no turning back' for U.S. ties regardless of election result

Citizens expect little difference in attitude from a Trump or Harris White House

Chinese observers of the U.S. election expect more friction in the bilateral relationship, regardless of whether Kamala Harris or Donald Trump wins. (Source photos by AP and Yuki Nakao)

STELLA YIFAN XIE, Nikkei staff writer

November 6, 2024 11:21 JST

HONG KONG -- As the U.S. election results roll in, many in China are watching warily and bracing for a fiercer geopolitical rivalry regardless of the outcome.

Residents of major Chinese cities who spoke with Nikkei Asia were split in their predictions of the winner, reflecting the tight race between Democratic candidate Kamala Harris and Republican former President Donald Trump. But most said they expect the winner to make little difference when it comes to Washington's attitude toward China.